Sunday, October 12, 2008

While for some of us, the election date has been permanently stamped in our brains. For others, it could easily be forgotten. Don't forget to vote this Tuesday, October 14th.

I have heard from individuals wondering about strategic voting. I want to be the MP for Perth-Wellington. That being said, I want people to vote for me, not against someone else. I see the NDP platform as strong and myself as a strong candidate. I encourage you to encourage family and friends to check out http://www.ndp.ca/ and http://www.kerrymcmanus.com/ for more info.

Time is running out and while I know there's lots of support, your help could make the difference in who becomes the MP in Perth-Wellington.

Please help make sure everyone has the information they need on me and the NDP. Specifically, please consider emailing and/or talking to family and friends; inviting your friends to the facebook group - Elect Kerry McManus MP Perth/Wellington and changing your profile pic to the 'Elect Kerry McManus' sign for two days.

The percentage of eligible voters who normally don't vote is huge. I believe that if we could reach more of the voters in our riding, we could see a huge voter turn-out and win this election.

"The gatekeepers for our culture are not the heroes or the supermen, but the common person. The individuals who represent the ideal inspire masses to pursue the values and virtues of their people; but it is the common person within each society who establishes the boundaries that are required to remain a part of the clan. It is not the extraordinary standard but the minimum standard that is the critical boundary in shaping a culture...It's easy to confuse the minimum with the extraordinary. We do it all the time. In fact, organizations continuously face that crisis. Whenever someone fails to live up to an understood expectation, we are forced to make some kind of reevaluation. Either our standard should change or our actions have to change. When we live below a standard, it is simply human nature to redefine the standard as unreasonable and establish standards that our patterns are already accomplishing. We keep lowering the bar until we clear it."Erwin McManus, from An Unstoppable Force

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Earlier this week I met with Eugene Sidler's grade five class at Arthur Public School. We had a lively discussion about why I have chosen to enter the political arena and the key issues I hope to address.

I told them about how when I was eight I entered a church and saw a large box announcing there was a famine in Africa and a need for clothes to be donated. Despite being young, I recognized that more than used clothing was needed and I recruited my next-door neighbour and off we went caroling to raise money to send to Africa.

While this event happened about thirty years ago, it reflects how I live. Learning changes me. When I understand an issue that is leaving individuals in a precarious position, I look for ways to help.

Today one student asked whether I had wanted to be a politician when I was young. That was one of the easiest questions I've had so far in this campaign. No, the political arena has not been a dream of mine. I chose to enter because I recognize that right now we are at a crossroads. The scientists have told us that our lifestyles need to change. We need to pursue a sustainable vision for Perth-Wellington, Canada and the world.

What is sustainability? The best definition I have heard came from Chuck Hopkins of UNESCO – enough for everyone forever. As we meet our needs and desires, we need to be sure that we are not impacting the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

The New Democrats have a strong sustainable vision. We recognize that there are immediate concerns –the loss of jobs and health crises - that must be addressed while building a long-term vision that protects its citizens – universal health care, fair trade, restoring foreign relations, supporting education and training, reducing our carbon footprint, protecting food sovereignty and food security.

We are all in this together. While I am not a farmer, a nurse or a police officer, I respect that there are challenges faced that could be improved by a change in governmental policy. I may not know the details of your concerns but I welcome your valued opinion and expertise as we work together to address your concerns in Ottawa.